HERE'S AN UPDATE ON THE SUPPOSED $15,000 TAX CREDIT TO HOMEBUYERS: Bloomberg reports the proposed $15,000 tax credit for homebuyers was reduced to $8,000 according to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat. No details on whether the credit is refundable, repayable, limited to first-time buyers, etc.   First-time home buyers could qualify for an $8,000 tax credit. The credit is slightly larger than the $7,500 credit in existing law, but it is substantially less than a proposal in the Senate bill that would have boosted the credit to $15,000 and broadened the eligibility. In addition, the compromise bill waives a requirement that the tax credit be repaid. The credit applies only to homes bought between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31 of this year. (2009) Homeowners who insta... 02/13/2009

Below is  a snapshot of the residential housing market in Moses Lake WA. (as of 2/13/09) Active on the market      12 Homes $0 to $100,000      Active on the market   123  homes from $101,000-$200,000 Active on the market     78  homes from $201,000-$300,000 Active on the market    95  homes from $301,000 on up   Pending Status as of  2/13/09   34 Homes   Homes sold since   Jan 1/09        24 Homes (average days on market; 119)  AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ. FT. OF SOLD HOMES IN THIS TIME FRAME: $95.      For Buyers: Don't hestitate! The local market here is healthy with so much growth happening in the area and interest rates at record lows, don't get caught up in the negative media hype of what's happening in other real estate markets! Each market is LOCAL. For Sellers: Get your free Market A... 02/13/2009

Jay Smith over at Golf Savings Bank just sent me over this note: 30 yr fixed 5.25% no discount points, 30 yr fixed FHA 5.5% no discount points today Here is something that just come across the wire this week, it still needs to get approved through the house and might get tweaked, but this should help home buyers once signed into law. Wednesday night the Senate added a significant homebuyer tax credit to the housing stimulus plan.  Here are the key elements of the credit: *  The tax credit is for the amount of $15,000 or 10% of the purchase price (whichever is less), with the option to utilize all in one year or spread out over two years.  The credit does not have to be paid back. *  The tax credit is available to all purchases of any home from date of enactment for one full year - no lo... 02/06/2009

My philosophy is that if you love people they will love you back and if you love your job you are probably good at it. I have the best of both worlds, I love people and I love my work as a real estate professional. Here's an example of why. I'm working with a couple who are selling their lovely home in the Knolls Vista area. They have wanted to ‘move up' to something larger for their family to grow. In the course of listing their home I brought my assistant/husband along (he does most of the photos and marketing for my listings). All went well in pulling together the information and photos needed to present the listing to the public.  We had to go back a couple of days later to write up an offer on a home I had shown them that they fell in love with. Now here's the best part... the coup... 02/04/2009

Great news. Looks like Moses Lake is going to get air service again after a 2 year hiatus. The Grant County Economic Development Council (EDC) announced Friday it exceeded a $500,000 airline travel bank pledge goal to restore air service from Moses Lake to Seattle. SkyWest has promised a decision by February 13.  Check out the Columbia Basin Herald article. Provided by:Debra GravelleMoses Lake Realty Group537 W. BroadwayMoses Lake, WA 98837509-771-9099 Debra@DialDebra.com                                                                             http://www.grantcountyproperties.com   Certified Negotiation Expert 02/03/2009

    When I talk to sellers about selling their Moses Lake, WA home, I tell them the facts; we must not mislead them.  I let them know that homes are staying on the market much longer than they were previously in the seller's  market.  This market is  much different.  I also advise them that there are things they can do to help themselves.  First and foremost, to price the home competitively.   With so many more homes on the market, buyer's are looking for a good deal.  If  we are one of the 'good deals' we are more likely to get plenty of showings and an offer.  Even in  today's market there are people looking to move to a larger or down-size to a smaller home.   There are buyers relocating that need to find a place to live.   If you must sell quickly -- price wisely. Second, first impr... 02/01/2009

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. Late yesterday - the House passed the $819 billion stimulus plan, which included a modified first time homebuyer tax credit. The Senate may vote on its version of the bill sometime next week.The bill is changing the terms of the $7,500 tax credit that was issued as a part of the Housing Recovery Act, which Congress passed last summer. Previous legislation required that the tax credit be repaid over 15 years, making it more of a no-interest loan. Not surprisingly, the measure had little impact on the market. The stimulus bill now under consideration would make that tax credit a true credit that doesn't need t... 01/29/2009

I saw this article over on the Grant County Economic Development Council website.  Hurry- January 30th deadline. SkyWest operating as United Express is interested in establishing air service with 2 daily flights to and from SeaTac. This will allow travelers to fly from Moses Lake to anywhere in the world that SkyWest, United Airlines, and their code shares, including Star Alliance, fly. In order to make this a reality we must convey to SkyWest the local support for air service by Jan. 30. This support must come in the form of an Airline Travel Bank commitment. The Airline Travel Bank is not a donation or a gift to the airline. It is simply businesses purchasing pre-paid credit cards that they can use to either buy airline tickets or to ship cargo on SkyWest/United Express, United Airlin... 01/27/2009

A look at where rates on home loans are headed in the new year. By U.S. News & World Report   A question I'm hearing a lot lately is "where are interest rates going this year?" This US News & World Report article puts the complexities of the mortgage markets in simple, easy to understand language. BOTTOM LINE- the article says ", they will "wax and wane" in the 5.5% to 6% range, before closing out the year somewhere between 6% and 6.25%." Here's a quick summary of the 7 points: 1. 2009 rate outlook: "There is no reason to think that rates are going to go up so substantially so as to erode the marketplace." (However, should the economic outlook improve more quickly than expected, mortgage rates could trend higher, Gumbinger says. In addition, new government programs unveiled next year co... 01/25/2009

Moses Lake is a growing, happening place. We recently had a Lowe's Home Improvement center open and any day now we are waiting for the Walgreen's Drugs to open. Now Moses Lake has it's own rent-to-own store, although the store's franchise owner, Rohnn Lampi, says "it's important for people to understand the store doesn't just offer merchandise leasing, he said. The store also does straight retail and low prices apply, Lampi explained. He called the store "a one-stop shop" for electronics, computers and furniture." I took a quick look at their website and found some pretty good deals. The have a section called "Dream Products" where everything is priced at $99.99 per month, own it in 12 months. I found a decent dining room collection with table, 4 chairs and a nice hutch- $99.99/mo. Same... 01/25/2009

Home Preparation Checklist  Go for the BEFORE and AFTER effect Check out these Before and After pictures from www.stagedhomes.com to get an idea of how dramatic the difference can be. There really isn't anything so special here except for decluttering. Barb Schwarz, founder of Staged Homes says, "if it is smaller than a basketball, pack it or sell it." In today's buyers market, first impressions are more important than ever. It is absolutely vital that prospective buyers form a good opinion of your home from the moment they drive up. Homes that convey pride of ownership will sell more quickly and frequently receive the best offers.  Use this checklist to remind you of areas to look at and improve the appearance. Look at each one through the eyes of the buyer. What do you see? Landscapin... 01/23/2009

Anyone considering buying a home now or in the future needs to read this little 24 page handbook. I am offering it for free just for the asking. It's called "How To Buy A Home In Today's Market". Buying a home raises a lot of questions. Through my experience I've found some basic questions turn up again and again. I keep a few dozen of these booklets on hand because it provides answers to those questions in an easy to understand fashion. Call me (509.771.9099) or drop me an email (debra@dialdebra.com) and I'll mail one to you. Here's a little more about the handbook to help you decide if it's right for you. The booklet is grouped into three parts: Getting Started, House Hunting, and Buying. Under those headings you'll find answers to these questions and more: Where do I start? What are ... 01/20/2009

A gentleman's farm usually refers to a non-working farm - it is an estate that may have been a farm and now is not. They are usually sold to people with horses or other animals who want open space. Some define it as a farmer with an independent source of income who farms or raises animals for pleasure rather than for money. The below property I just listed could be considered a Gentleman's Farm. This is the perfect site! Along a cherry tree lane lies a 2,432 square foot home filled with large living spaces and oversized master bedroom. 4.84 irrigated and level acres waiting for your vision. Much of it covered in lush grass. Lakeshore Irrigation Company for watering the acreage and includes handlines. Set up your round pen and corrals. There still is plenty of room for an arena and cross... 01/19/2009

With more resources available on the Internet, you may be considering buying a home without using the services of a professional real estate agent. After reviewing these 50 services an agent would typically perform for their clients, you may want to reconsider! Remember, agents don't get paid until the home purchase is complete and a buyer's agent gets paid by the seller, NOT YOU! It is my job to do the best I can to help you through a smooth experience, save you money and achieve your goal of buying a home. 1. Analysis of your real estate needs and determine housing criteria 2. Research properties 3. Send you listings that match your needs 4. Provide information pertaining to your move or relocation and short-term stay options 5. Educate you about home buying processes 6. Provide infor... 01/19/2009

January January 14: Mariners Visit Moses Lake Moses Lake - The Mariners will be stopping in Moses Lake to promote their D.R.E.A.M program. The assembly will be held at Knolls Vista Elementary School, 454 W. Ridge Rd. from 2:00 to 2:30pm.Later that evening they will put on a baseball Skills Clinic at the March 21: 2009 Moses Lake Chamber & Sunrise Rotary Annual Auction "Moses Lake Uncorked"Moses Lake - 2009 Moses Lake Chamber & Sunrise Rotary Annual Auction "Moses Lake Uncorked" held at the Pillar Rock Grill at the Moses Lake Country Club. March 28: Moses Lake Lakeshore Cleanup DayMoses Lake - Annual lakeshore cleanup day sponsored and coordinated by Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District May 8: Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf ScrambleMoses Lake - Moses Lake Chamber... 01/13/2009

Below is a snapshot of the residential housing market in Moses Lake WA. (as of 1/02/09) Active on the market      10 Homes $0 to $100,000      Active on the market   117 homes from $101,000-$200,000 Active on the market     60 homes from $201,000-$300,000 Active on the market    92 homes from $301,000 on up   Pending Status as of  1/02/09   30 Homes   Homes sold as of         1/02/09   29 Homes (average days on market; 99)       For Buyers: Don't hestitate! The local market here is healthy with so much growth happening in the area and interest rates at record lows, don't get caught up in the negative media hype of what's happening in other real estate markets! Each market is LOCAL. For Sellers: Get your free Market Analysis today: http://www.movetomoseslake.com/value.htm Need more info ... 01/13/2009

                                                                                                                                                        Clutter-Busting Secrets of the Pros  When I saw the title I knew it was for me. My middle name is clutter and when I was a kid my sister called my hurricane Deb. We shared a room, you get the picture. (But not as bad as this picture.) As I read through this article I realized 2 things:    First, it is well written with a practical approach to eliminating clutter that actually makes sense.    Second, the 7 strategies offered can be applied if you are putting your house on the market for sale. It's called ‘home staging', which means preparing a home so that it has the most appeal to the largest audience, which are the buyers looking at you... 01/02/2009

Below is a snapshot of the residential housing market in Moses Lake WA. (as of 12/08/08) Active on the market      14 Homes $0 to $100,000      Active on the market   130 homes from $101,000-$200,000 Active on the market     67 homes from $201,000-$300,000 Active on the market   109 homes from $301,000 on up   Pending Status as of  12/01/08   51 Homes   Homes sold as of         12/01/08   30 Homes (average days on market; 110)       For Buyers: Don't hestitate! The local market here is healthy with so much growth happening in the area and interest rates at record lows, don't get caught up in the negative media hype of what's happening in other real estate markets! Each market is LOCAL. For Sellers: Get your free Market Analysis today: http://www.movetomoseslake.com/value.htm Need more ... 12/08/2008

    One of the things I enjoy most about living around here is the thousands of migratory birds. Each year I sit and marvel at seeing the Geese Armada. I live on one of the many lakes (Soap Lake) in Grant County and am amazed at how hundreds of geese can fly in tight formation and land together in one spot on the lake. I can hear the "swishhhh" of the water as they land on the water en mass. Sometimes I see a group in one area of the lake swim towards another flock on the water. They look like miniature ship armada's maneuvering to do battle. Of course they don't do battle but to listen to all the squawking that goes on you'd think there was. Moses Lake is located directly in the path of the Pacific Flyway, the migratory path for countless waterfowl. With the abundance of water and habi... 11/13/2008

Jobs, Growth, Bright Future Moses Lake and the greater Grant County job market continues to grow, thanks to a soon to be completed $1.2 billion plant expansion at REC. Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) makes polycrystalline silicon, a key component of solar panel construction and is the world's first dedicated plant for production of solar grade silicon. The Norwegian based company has decided to more than double its production of polysilicon and will add 170 employees to its existing 350 employees to operate the fluidized-bed reactors and gas plant. At times more than 1,000 construction workers have been on the 400-acre site. The photovoltaic solar industry is growing rapidly but is likely going to be very limited in growth thru 2008 until REC's expansion comes online.  The bulk of po... 10/25/2008